Do you need an old tax return from the IRS? Maybe you're applying for a mortgage, a student loan, or simply trying to get your financial ducks in a row. Whatever the reason, getting your hands on past tax information is a common need. But how long does it actually take? Let's dive in and break down the process step-by-step.
Understanding Your Needs: Do You Need a Transcript or a Copy?
Before we talk about timelines, it's crucial to understand what you need. The IRS offers two main types of records for past tax years:
- Tax Transcripts: These are summaries of your tax return information. They are generally free and are what most institutions (like lenders) require. There are different types of transcripts, each providing specific details:
- Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed, along with any forms and schedules. It does
not show changes made after you filed your original return. This is often sufficient for most purposes. - Tax Account Transcript: Displays basic data like filing status, taxable income, and payment types. It also shows changes made after you filed your original return.
- Record of Account Transcript: This is a comprehensive transcript that combines the tax return and tax account transcripts.
- Wage and Income Transcript: Provides information from income documents like Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, and 5498.
- Verification of Non-filing Letter: States that the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series tax return as of the date of the request.
- Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed, along with any forms and schedules. It does
- Copies of Your Tax Return: This is an exact photocopy of your original tax return, including all attachments. These cost a fee for each copy and are typically only needed for legal or administrative proceedings where the original filing is required.
Why is this distinction important? Because the timeframes and methods for obtaining them differ significantly!
Step 1: Determine Which Type of Tax Record You Need
So, let's start here: What exactly are you trying to accomplish with this old tax information?
- Are you applying for a mortgage? Most likely a Tax Return Transcript.
- Do you need to see your payment history or changes the IRS made to your return? A Tax Account Transcript might be best.
- Are you simply trying to reconstruct your records and need everything? A Record of Account Transcript or a full copy.
- Do you need to prove you didn't file for a specific year? A Verification of Non-filing Letter.
Once you've identified your specific need, you're ready to proceed to the next step!
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Requesting Tax Transcripts
The IRS offers several convenient ways to get your tax transcripts, each with its own processing time.
Sub-heading: Option A: Get Transcript Online (Fastest)
This is by far the quickest way to get most types of transcripts.
- Visit the IRS Website: Go to www.irs.gov and look for the "Get Your Tax Record" section.
- Select "Get Transcript Online": You will be directed to the secure IRS online portal.
- Verify Your Identity: This is a crucial step for security. You'll need:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth
- Filing status from your most recent tax return
- Mailing address from your most recent tax return
- Access to a valid email address
- A text-enabled mobile phone in your name (pay-as-you-go plans generally don't work)
- Specific financial account numbers (like a credit card number or an account number for a home mortgage or auto loan) – Note: The IRS will NOT charge your card or account.
- You'll receive a confirmation code via email and an authentication code via text to complete the registration.
- Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Once verified, you can view, print, or download your desired transcript type (Tax Return, Tax Account, Record of Account, Wage and Income, or Verification of Non-filing Letter) for the current and generally up to three prior tax years (or nine prior for Wage and Income/Tax Account through online account).
- Access Your Transcript Instantly: Upon successful completion of the identity verification, your transcript is available immediately!
Sub-heading: Option B: Get Transcript by Mail (5 to 10 Days)
If you can't verify your identity online, prefer a physical copy, or need transcripts for older tax years, this is a good alternative.
- Visit the IRS Website: Go to www.irs.gov and look for "Get Your Tax Record."
- Select "Get Transcript by Mail": This will take you to a simpler online form.
- Provide Basic Information: You'll need:
- Your SSN or ITIN
- Date of birth
- Mailing address from your latest tax return (it must match the address on file with the IRS for security reasons)
- Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Choose the type of transcript and the tax year you need.
- Submit Your Request: The IRS will mail the transcript to the address they have on file for you.
- Receive by Mail: Expect to receive your transcript within 5 to 10 calendar days.
Sub-heading: Option C: Automated Phone Transcript Service (5 to 10 Days)
This is another option if you prefer to speak to an automated system.
- Call the Automated Line: Dial 1-800-908-9946.
- Follow the Prompts: You'll be asked to provide your SSN and the numbers in your street address from your last filed tax return.
- Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Choose the type of transcript and the tax year you need.
- Receive by Mail: Similar to the "Get Transcript by Mail" option, your transcript will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 calendar days.
Sub-heading: Option D: Mail Form 4506-T (Takes Longer)
For situations where other methods don't work (e.g., if your address doesn't match IRS records, or you need older transcripts not available through other methods), you can use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
- Download Form 4506-T: You can find this form on the IRS website (www.irs.gov).
- Fill Out the Form Accurately: Ensure all information, especially your name, SSN, and address, matches what the IRS has on file. Carefully select the transcript type and tax years needed.
- Mail or Fax the Form: The instructions on the form will provide the correct mailing address or fax number based on your location and the type of return requested.
- Processing Time: Allow 5 to 10 calendar days for the IRS to process your request once they receive it. Then, factor in mailing time. It can take a bit longer than the online or phone methods.
Step 3: Requesting a Copy of Your Actual Tax Return
If you need an actual copy of your original tax return, the process is different and takes longer.
- Download Form 4506: This is a different form than 4506-T. You can find it on the IRS website.
- Fill Out the Form Carefully: Provide all required information, including your SSN, name, address, and the specific tax year(s) you need.
- Include Payment: There is a fee for each copy of a tax return requested (currently $43 per copy, but always check the latest IRS guidelines for current fees). You must include a check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury."
- Mail the Form and Payment: Send the completed Form 4506 and payment to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form's instructions.
- Processing Time: This is the longest waiting period. The IRS states it can take up to 75 calendar days to process a request for a copy of a tax return. This does not include mailing time.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
While the IRS provides general guidelines, several factors can influence how long it takes to get your old tax returns:
- Method of Request: As outlined above, online transcripts are instant, while mailed requests take longer, and full copies take the longest.
- Accuracy of Information: Any discrepancies in your name, address, or SSN on your request form compared to IRS records can cause significant delays or even rejection of your request.
- Time of Year: During peak tax season (January to April), processing times for mailed requests might be slightly longer due to higher volume.
- IRS System Issues: Occasionally, the IRS may experience technical issues that can temporarily affect online access or processing times.
- Complexity of Request: If you're requesting multiple years or unusual transcript types, it might take a little longer.
- Mail Delivery: For mailed requests, the actual postal delivery time will add to the overall wait.
Important Considerations & Tips
- Keep Good Records: This cannot be stressed enough! Always keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years (or longer for certain situations). This eliminates the need to request them from the IRS.
- Update Your Address: If you've moved since your last tax filing, make sure to update your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, before requesting transcripts or copies by mail. Otherwise, your requested documents will go to your old address. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process a change of address.
- Security: The IRS will never request login information or personal data via email or text. Be wary of scams.
- Joint Returns: If you filed a joint return, either taxpayer can generally request transcripts or copies using their own information.
- Business Transcripts: The process for obtaining business tax transcripts is similar but may involve different forms (e.g., Form 4506-T for business tax transcripts).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get my tax transcript online instantly?
You can get your tax transcript instantly by using the "Get Transcript Online" tool on the IRS website (www.irs.gov). You'll need to verify your identity with an email, text-enabled phone, and financial account information.
How to request a tax transcript by mail?
You can request a tax transcript by mail through the "Get Transcript by Mail" tool on the IRS website or by calling 1-800-908-9946. It usually takes 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.
How to obtain a full copy of an old tax return?
To get a full copy of an old tax return, you must complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, to the IRS. There's a fee for each copy, and it can take up to 75 calendar days for processing.
How to check the status of my tax transcript request?
Generally, you cannot check the status of a transcript request made by mail or phone. For online requests, if you successfully access it, it's instant. If there's an issue with the online tool, it will usually notify you immediately.
How to get a tax transcript if I've changed my address?
If you've changed your address, update it with the IRS first by filing Form 8822, Change of Address. Allow 4-6 weeks for it to process. Once updated, you can then request your transcript by mail or phone, ensuring it goes to the correct address.
How to tell the difference between a tax return transcript and a tax account transcript?
A Tax Return Transcript shows most line items from your original filed tax return. A Tax Account Transcript shows basic data like filing status and income, plus any changes made by the IRS after filing.
How to get a tax transcript for a business?
You can generally request business tax transcripts by submitting Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and specifying the business tax form needed.
How to get tax records older than 10 years?
While some transcripts are available for up to 10 years online, for older records or specific needs beyond transcripts, you may need to submit Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, which can provide copies for up to 7 years from filing, or sometimes longer for other types of returns.
How to correct an error on a tax transcript?
Tax transcripts are records of what the IRS has on file. If the underlying tax return has an error, you'll need to amend your original tax return by filing Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The transcript will then reflect the amended information once processed.
How to get a verification of non-filing letter?
You can obtain a Verification of Non-filing Letter through the "Get Transcript Online" or "Get Transcript by Mail" options, or by submitting Form 4506-T. This letter confirms the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series tax return for a specific year.
